Durham exit could end Blackwell career

Ian Blackwell's career may be over at the age of 34 after his contract
was terminated a year early by Durham.

Blackwell, who played one Test and 34 ODIs for England, recently underwent the
third bout of surgery on a long-standing shoulder injury and was
thought unlikely to be fit
for the first three or four months of the 2013 season.

Despite an
impressive first-class record - he scored over 11,000 first-class runs
at a fraction under 40 and
claimed 398 first-class wickets at 35.91 apiece - he fell out of
favour at Durham during 2012 and did not feature in their Championship
side after May.

A destructive batsman and reliable left-arm spinner, Blackwell would
surely have won more opportunities for England had he embraced the
requisite fitness
ethic. He attempted, on various occasions, to lose weight with varying
degrees of success but, eventually, temptation always got the better
of him.

Over the
last few years his increasingly rounded figure provided something of a
throwback to a more innocent age in the professional game. He was well
suited to his
sobriquet - The Blacksmith - and the county circuit will be a little
less entertaining for the news that he laid down his hammer and tongs for
the final time.

But he could play. His double-century for Somerset against
Derbyshire at Taunton in 2003 is the fastest, in terms of balls
received, ever made by an
Englishman. It occupied just 134 balls, with the second 100 coming off
only 41 deliveries. And, with his unostentatious spin, he took 43
wickets - 10 more than
any spinner had previously managed in a season for Durham - as the
county successfully defended their Championship title in 2009.

His sole Test came at Nagpur in 2006 - the game in which Alastair Cook
and Monty Panesar also made their debuts - and, though he struck a
typically
commanding 82 in his second ODI, he failed to pass 50 in any of his
other 34 matches and, at one stage in 2003, scored one run in four
successive innings
against Australia.

After making his debut for his native Derbyshire, he left the county -
largely due to a dislike of Dominic Cork - as part of a widespread
exodus and joined
Somerset in 2000. He spent nine happy seasons at a club that has
always had a soft spot for big-hitting allrounders but, struggling to fit in with Justin Langer's less romantic approach to fitness, departed for Durham
at the end of 2008.

He may reflect that his career ended on a high. Loaned out to
Warwickshire for the final few weeks of the 2012 season, he was part
of the side that clinched the
County Championship title and his last game was the CB40 final at
Lord's. A future as an umpire beckons.

One of my favourite cricketers, I was sad to see him go from Somerset but I feel he's been pretty hard done by at Durham. If you look at his record for them he has been excellent more often than not and has won them some crucial games on his own. I do hope one of the weaker teams like Leics or Kent snaps him up for a final season or two, he's still got a few more biffs left in him yet. He'll be a brilliant umpire though no doubt!!

elsmallo
on January 16, 2013, 23:59 GMT

At one stage the locals in Taunton 'named' one of the stands after him - the 'Ian Blackwell Stand' was usually the loudest especially during one day games. People identified with him precisely because he was a bit overweight and his cricket had the whiff of the village about it from time to time - which is no insult as he was a skillful player. You had to sit up and watch when he came in to bat as it could be great fun. Someone ought to give him a contract he's good for a year or two's more cricket, though it'd be great to see him as an umpire.

JG2704
on January 17, 2013, 20:53 GMT

I really liked him at Somerset esp in the shorter formats. I seem to remember him doing well for Eng when coming in when 5 down and struggling in a WC match. He was also a very underrated guy with the ball in hand. I remember him being a bit chucky when he played for Somerset but he seems to have added to his weight from my last sighting of him. Maybe brings a new meaning to the term All Rounder?

Rossman999
on January 17, 2013, 13:22 GMT

Once, many moons ago, I saw Mr. Blackwell score a magical innings of 98 against Surrey at The Oval. It's always stuck in my mind because of the class of the innings and because he was applauded all the way back to the pavilion by Adam Hollioake and his men. Great memory.

CricketingStargazer
on January 17, 2013, 10:45 GMT

If he wants to keep playing, the best option would be to aim for the T20 window and offer himself as a pay-for-play option. Do well and he could get a 1-year playing contract for 2014. As various people have said, it is asking a lot of a county to take a risk and sign a player pre-season who has long-term issues, is near the end of his career and, on top of that, is going to miss at least half of the season.

AMB77
on January 17, 2013, 9:22 GMT

Blackie finished? - I feel old! its seems like yesterday when he was opening the bowling for Derbys U19's bowling medium pace and blasting it around at number 5 - should of known what was coming when he took a window out at Trent Bridge, it must of been a 90 meter hit - he was about 16 at the time. Really enjoyed the way he has played the game & has a very good record. Cant see why he shouldn't cash in on the T20 circuit unless injured/ timing is right for 1st class umpires list.

sjm5000
on January 17, 2013, 9:11 GMT

Clubs aren't just feeding troughs for players, they have a real responsibility to keep themselves fit. Perhaps you can't blame Blackwell for this injury, but his shape over the last couple of years suggests his fitness is only going one way. In two seasons time, will he really be up for Division 1 cricket? He was much missed last season but made no impact when things were going wrong. It's a sad goodbye. Good luck to him as an umpire.

Whatsgoinoffoutthere
on January 17, 2013, 9:01 GMT

@mikey76 - Funny you should say that about the cash-strapped counties. However, for that same reason, they might not be able to stand the cost. If Tredders remains in England's thoughts, Kent might want an experienced replacement spinner (with batting as a bonus). However, the report says Blackwell is injured at the start of the season, and I don't see any county wanting to pick up the tab (especially not one where money is limited). They'd sign him mid-season when he was fit to play - and there is the problem. What condition will he be in if left to his own devices? By mid season he might have eaten even more pies and be so unfit that nobody wants to take the chance.

CricketingStargazer
on January 17, 2013, 8:05 GMT

With injury and fitness concerns, probably he is a more viable proposition for T20 and one-dayers than County Championship. However, if he is going to miss the first half of the season it does rather put a dampener on his options. It will be interesting to see if a county has a punt on him to play T20 and then take it from there.

mikey76
on January 17, 2013, 3:20 GMT

Surely one of the struggling counties like Leicestershire or Kent would be happy to grant him a two year contract. Not many all rounders on the circuit can boast a record as good as his. One has to wonder why guys like him just couldn't knuckle down and get fit. Who knows what career he might have had if he'd left the doughnuts alone.

SomersetJord
on January 17, 2013, 7:15 GMT

One of my favourite cricketers, I was sad to see him go from Somerset but I feel he's been pretty hard done by at Durham. If you look at his record for them he has been excellent more often than not and has won them some crucial games on his own. I do hope one of the weaker teams like Leics or Kent snaps him up for a final season or two, he's still got a few more biffs left in him yet. He'll be a brilliant umpire though no doubt!!

elsmallo
on January 16, 2013, 23:59 GMT

At one stage the locals in Taunton 'named' one of the stands after him - the 'Ian Blackwell Stand' was usually the loudest especially during one day games. People identified with him precisely because he was a bit overweight and his cricket had the whiff of the village about it from time to time - which is no insult as he was a skillful player. You had to sit up and watch when he came in to bat as it could be great fun. Someone ought to give him a contract he's good for a year or two's more cricket, though it'd be great to see him as an umpire.

JG2704
on January 17, 2013, 20:53 GMT

I really liked him at Somerset esp in the shorter formats. I seem to remember him doing well for Eng when coming in when 5 down and struggling in a WC match. He was also a very underrated guy with the ball in hand. I remember him being a bit chucky when he played for Somerset but he seems to have added to his weight from my last sighting of him. Maybe brings a new meaning to the term All Rounder?

Rossman999
on January 17, 2013, 13:22 GMT

Once, many moons ago, I saw Mr. Blackwell score a magical innings of 98 against Surrey at The Oval. It's always stuck in my mind because of the class of the innings and because he was applauded all the way back to the pavilion by Adam Hollioake and his men. Great memory.

CricketingStargazer
on January 17, 2013, 10:45 GMT

If he wants to keep playing, the best option would be to aim for the T20 window and offer himself as a pay-for-play option. Do well and he could get a 1-year playing contract for 2014. As various people have said, it is asking a lot of a county to take a risk and sign a player pre-season who has long-term issues, is near the end of his career and, on top of that, is going to miss at least half of the season.

AMB77
on January 17, 2013, 9:22 GMT

Blackie finished? - I feel old! its seems like yesterday when he was opening the bowling for Derbys U19's bowling medium pace and blasting it around at number 5 - should of known what was coming when he took a window out at Trent Bridge, it must of been a 90 meter hit - he was about 16 at the time. Really enjoyed the way he has played the game & has a very good record. Cant see why he shouldn't cash in on the T20 circuit unless injured/ timing is right for 1st class umpires list.

sjm5000
on January 17, 2013, 9:11 GMT

Clubs aren't just feeding troughs for players, they have a real responsibility to keep themselves fit. Perhaps you can't blame Blackwell for this injury, but his shape over the last couple of years suggests his fitness is only going one way. In two seasons time, will he really be up for Division 1 cricket? He was much missed last season but made no impact when things were going wrong. It's a sad goodbye. Good luck to him as an umpire.

Whatsgoinoffoutthere
on January 17, 2013, 9:01 GMT

@mikey76 - Funny you should say that about the cash-strapped counties. However, for that same reason, they might not be able to stand the cost. If Tredders remains in England's thoughts, Kent might want an experienced replacement spinner (with batting as a bonus). However, the report says Blackwell is injured at the start of the season, and I don't see any county wanting to pick up the tab (especially not one where money is limited). They'd sign him mid-season when he was fit to play - and there is the problem. What condition will he be in if left to his own devices? By mid season he might have eaten even more pies and be so unfit that nobody wants to take the chance.

CricketingStargazer
on January 17, 2013, 8:05 GMT

With injury and fitness concerns, probably he is a more viable proposition for T20 and one-dayers than County Championship. However, if he is going to miss the first half of the season it does rather put a dampener on his options. It will be interesting to see if a county has a punt on him to play T20 and then take it from there.

mikey76
on January 17, 2013, 3:20 GMT

Surely one of the struggling counties like Leicestershire or Kent would be happy to grant him a two year contract. Not many all rounders on the circuit can boast a record as good as his. One has to wonder why guys like him just couldn't knuckle down and get fit. Who knows what career he might have had if he'd left the doughnuts alone.

jackiethepen
on January 16, 2013, 23:18 GMT

Sorry to see him go from Durham. Maybe Colly as the new Durham captain spelt the end for Blackwell - as Colly must be one of the fittest cricketers around. But Blackwell was an asset to the side and was voted most valuable player during the first Championship season I think. He helped us get two Trophies. And then chipped in with Warwickshire in 2012. Surely the big man will come back?

bumsonseats
on January 16, 2013, 19:22 GMT

when he decided to move from somerset i thought he would do Lancashire a good job. there must be something up with the guy because these are big clubs.this is the guy who put the ausies in such a spin last year. is it a weight problem as last time saw him he looked as if he was putting on the pounds. he would do a good job i would have thought to most teams his slow bowling and his hitting lets hope he gets fixed up soon.

Whatsgoinoffoutthere
on January 16, 2013, 18:38 GMT

Rotund former first-class cricketer who played in the west country for a number of seasons before becoming an umpire? There are some differences in the detail, but does this remind you of anyone?

Ian Blackwell, may your feet never touch the ground :)

SomersetJord
on January 17, 2013, 7:15 GMT

One of my favourite cricketers, I was sad to see him go from Somerset but I feel he's been pretty hard done by at Durham. If you look at his record for them he has been excellent more often than not and has won them some crucial games on his own. I do hope one of the weaker teams like Leics or Kent snaps him up for a final season or two, he's still got a few more biffs left in him yet. He'll be a brilliant umpire though no doubt!!

elsmallo
on January 16, 2013, 23:59 GMT

At one stage the locals in Taunton 'named' one of the stands after him - the 'Ian Blackwell Stand' was usually the loudest especially during one day games. People identified with him precisely because he was a bit overweight and his cricket had the whiff of the village about it from time to time - which is no insult as he was a skillful player. You had to sit up and watch when he came in to bat as it could be great fun. Someone ought to give him a contract he's good for a year or two's more cricket, though it'd be great to see him as an umpire.

Whatsgoinoffoutthere
on January 16, 2013, 18:38 GMT

Rotund former first-class cricketer who played in the west country for a number of seasons before becoming an umpire? There are some differences in the detail, but does this remind you of anyone?

Ian Blackwell, may your feet never touch the ground :)

bumsonseats
on January 16, 2013, 19:22 GMT

when he decided to move from somerset i thought he would do Lancashire a good job. there must be something up with the guy because these are big clubs.this is the guy who put the ausies in such a spin last year. is it a weight problem as last time saw him he looked as if he was putting on the pounds. he would do a good job i would have thought to most teams his slow bowling and his hitting lets hope he gets fixed up soon.

jackiethepen
on January 16, 2013, 23:18 GMT

Sorry to see him go from Durham. Maybe Colly as the new Durham captain spelt the end for Blackwell - as Colly must be one of the fittest cricketers around. But Blackwell was an asset to the side and was voted most valuable player during the first Championship season I think. He helped us get two Trophies. And then chipped in with Warwickshire in 2012. Surely the big man will come back?

mikey76
on January 17, 2013, 3:20 GMT

Surely one of the struggling counties like Leicestershire or Kent would be happy to grant him a two year contract. Not many all rounders on the circuit can boast a record as good as his. One has to wonder why guys like him just couldn't knuckle down and get fit. Who knows what career he might have had if he'd left the doughnuts alone.

CricketingStargazer
on January 17, 2013, 8:05 GMT

With injury and fitness concerns, probably he is a more viable proposition for T20 and one-dayers than County Championship. However, if he is going to miss the first half of the season it does rather put a dampener on his options. It will be interesting to see if a county has a punt on him to play T20 and then take it from there.

Whatsgoinoffoutthere
on January 17, 2013, 9:01 GMT

@mikey76 - Funny you should say that about the cash-strapped counties. However, for that same reason, they might not be able to stand the cost. If Tredders remains in England's thoughts, Kent might want an experienced replacement spinner (with batting as a bonus). However, the report says Blackwell is injured at the start of the season, and I don't see any county wanting to pick up the tab (especially not one where money is limited). They'd sign him mid-season when he was fit to play - and there is the problem. What condition will he be in if left to his own devices? By mid season he might have eaten even more pies and be so unfit that nobody wants to take the chance.

sjm5000
on January 17, 2013, 9:11 GMT

Clubs aren't just feeding troughs for players, they have a real responsibility to keep themselves fit. Perhaps you can't blame Blackwell for this injury, but his shape over the last couple of years suggests his fitness is only going one way. In two seasons time, will he really be up for Division 1 cricket? He was much missed last season but made no impact when things were going wrong. It's a sad goodbye. Good luck to him as an umpire.

AMB77
on January 17, 2013, 9:22 GMT

Blackie finished? - I feel old! its seems like yesterday when he was opening the bowling for Derbys U19's bowling medium pace and blasting it around at number 5 - should of known what was coming when he took a window out at Trent Bridge, it must of been a 90 meter hit - he was about 16 at the time. Really enjoyed the way he has played the game & has a very good record. Cant see why he shouldn't cash in on the T20 circuit unless injured/ timing is right for 1st class umpires list.

CricketingStargazer
on January 17, 2013, 10:45 GMT

If he wants to keep playing, the best option would be to aim for the T20 window and offer himself as a pay-for-play option. Do well and he could get a 1-year playing contract for 2014. As various people have said, it is asking a lot of a county to take a risk and sign a player pre-season who has long-term issues, is near the end of his career and, on top of that, is going to miss at least half of the season.

Rossman999
on January 17, 2013, 13:22 GMT

Once, many moons ago, I saw Mr. Blackwell score a magical innings of 98 against Surrey at The Oval. It's always stuck in my mind because of the class of the innings and because he was applauded all the way back to the pavilion by Adam Hollioake and his men. Great memory.